Rethymno

30/12/2018 18:51:00

About the prettiest city in Crete

The coastal city of Rethymno is a pleasant Turkish-Venetian city, with a Venetian fortress built in the 15th century to protect the city. This is the third largest city in Crete, and lies on the shores of a sandy bay, with palm trees.

In Rethymno there is a beautiful harbor, picturesque alleys and a fort from the Venetian period. There are fascinating styles of architecture in the streets of the old city- stone houses from the Venetian period have wooden balconies added to the houses during Ottoman rule. Beside these are houses painted white and blue in the Greek style, along with a selection of creative and modern colors. The beauty of the fusion between new and old has a special charm.

A great evening activity is a night out in the vibrant Venetian quarter, which has many taverns and cozy terraces. The food in the mazettes here are excellent.

Some of the taverns play local music featuring the lyra, an ancient three-string instrument which is still played here. Greek music has its own special sound, with elements from the East, and even Turkey. The instrument in the form of a lute is similar to the Arab Bosoki, which is called a Tambour.

During an evening out one can take in the atmosphere of the freedom here, the sounds of raki glasses clinking with the Yamas, the locals' "cheers," who laugh for pleasure. It's not to be missed!

The campus of the University of Crete is located in Rethymno. The students bring a young vibe into the city, even after the busy tourist season. In July, two traditional events are held in Rethymno: the city's wine festival and the Renaissance Festival, which offers artistic performances of theater, cinema and dance.